Group 1: Core Developments - Verizon Communications, Inc. has made significant advancements in satellite-to-cellular connectivity through a partnership with AST SpaceMobile, which is developing a space-based cellular broadband network for standard mobile devices [1] - In mid-2024, Verizon formed a strategic partnership with ASTS, committing $100 million to deliver direct-to-cellular service across the U.S., aiming for 100% coverage by leveraging its terrestrial network and ASTS' satellite capabilities [2] - ASTS received Special Temporary Authority from the FCC in January 2025 to test smartphones connected to its BlueBird satellites, successfully completing a video call between devices connected to terrestrial and satellite networks [3] Group 2: Market Position and Competition - Despite rapid 5G expansion, many areas in the U.S. remain outside network coverage, prompting Verizon to combine its terrestrial infrastructure with ASTS' capabilities to enhance connectivity and address dead zones [4] - Verizon's competitor, T-Mobile, is also developing direct-to-cell technology in collaboration with Starlink, indicating a competitive landscape in satellite connectivity [5] Group 3: Stock Performance - Verizon's stock has increased by 3.3% over the past year, while the industry has seen a growth of 41.8%, highlighting a lag in performance relative to peers [6] Group 4: Earnings and Rankings - Verizon has delivered an earnings surprise of 158.41% over the trailing four quarters, showcasing its strong performance in advanced mobile technologies [9] - Currently, Verizon holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), while other companies in the industry, such as InterDigital and Akamai Technologies, have higher rankings, indicating potential investment alternatives [8][10]

Core Insights - Verizon, in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm, has successfully deployed multi-vendor RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) functionality in its commercial network, marking a significant advancement in Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) technology [1][2] - The deployment integrates Samsung's AI-powered Energy Saving Manager with Qualcomm's Dragonwing RAN Automation Suite, enhancing energy efficiency and operational performance [1][5] Industry Collaboration - Verizon emphasizes the importance of open and standardized networks to drive competition, innovation, and supplier diversity [2] - The introduction of RIC allows for greater flexibility and control over network operations, expanding on Verizon's success with O-RAN compliant radios [2][4] RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) - RIC is a software-based component that optimizes network performance using AI and automation, enabling integration of third-party applications [3][4] - It manages applications called rApps that improve mobile communication aspects such as coverage, capacity, efficiency, and service quality [4] Energy Efficiency and Sustainability - The integration of Samsung's AI-ESM allows Verizon to achieve an average energy savings of 15%, with a maximum of 35% per sector during low traffic periods [5] - The AI-ESM identifies site environments and traffic patterns to optimize energy usage without compromising network performance [5] Technological Advancements - Qualcomm's Dragonwing RAN Automation Suite enables a vendor-neutral rApp marketplace, fostering a diverse ecosystem [6] - The virtualization of networks is seen as key to realizing the benefits of AI, with Samsung's software-based vRAN providing an optimal foundation [6] Company Performance - Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024, serving millions of customers and nearly all Fortune 500 companies [7]

Core Insights - Verizon Communications Inc. is focusing on enhancing its network performance and reliability as part of its ongoing strategy to provide high-quality services to customers [5][6]. Group 1: Network Priorities - The company emphasizes its mission to deliver the best, most reliable, highest-performing, and secure networks for customers to use in various aspects of their lives [5]. - Verizon's mobility network is highlighted as a key area of focus, with recent achievements in 5G performance recognized through awards from RootMetrics [6].

What you need to know: Verizon Sensor Insights, a turnkey IoT solution that has been sold to companies in diverse industries such as food refrigeration and insurance, is being deployed by the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena to monitor and manage the temperature and condition of sensitive technical equipment and to better track waste disposal and resource efficiency.Sensor Insights is part of a larger technology initiative with Verizon to enhance stadium operations at State Farm Arena.The solution includes ...

Core Insights - Verizon and AST have successfully conducted a live video call between a satellite-connected device and a terrestrial network-connected device, showcasing advancements in mobile connectivity [1][2] - This innovation allows for seamless data transmission, including voice and video calls, even in areas lacking terrestrial cellular coverage, enhancing customer communication reliability [2][3] - The demonstration follows FCC approval for AST SpaceMobile to test satellite connections using Verizon's spectrum, enabling the use of low Earth orbit satellites for mobile communications [3] Company Overview - Verizon Communications Inc. generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024, serving millions of customers and nearly all Fortune 500 companies [4] - The company is focused on delivering mobility, reliable network connectivity, and security, continuously innovating to meet current and future customer needs [4]

Core Points - Verizon is launching the iPhone 16e, which features advanced battery life, the A18 chip, and a 48MP camera system, available for pre-order starting February 21, 2025, with availability from February 28, 2025 [1][6][10] Group 1: Product Features - The iPhone 16e offers fast performance and the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone, utilizing the A18 chip and Apple's first cellular modem, the Apple C1 [6][10] - It includes a 48MP Fusion camera with an integrated 2x Telephoto lens, allowing for high-quality zoom capabilities [6][7] - The device supports Apple's satellite features for emergency services and messaging when outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage [6][15] Group 2: Pricing and Offers - The iPhone 16e is priced at $599.99 for the 128GB model, with promotional credits available for new lines and trade-ins [10][12] - Customers can get the iPhone 16e for $5 a month for 36 months with eligible plans, and business customers can also receive promotional offers [10][13] Group 3: Service Plans - Verizon's myPlan offers flexibility and perks, including access to Apple One for $10/month for individuals or $20/month for families [2][4] - The plan allows users to customize their experience with various entertainment and shopping deals [4][3] Group 4: Company Overview - Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024 and continues to innovate to meet customer demands for mobility and connectivity [16]

Company Overview - Verizon Communications Inc. generated revenues of $134.0 billion in 2023, serving millions of customers globally and nearly all of the Fortune 500 [2]. Upcoming Events - Joe Russo, executive vice president and president of Global Networks and Technology at Verizon, is scheduled to speak at the Barclays Communications and Content Symposium on February 25, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. ET, with his remarks available via webcast [1].

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon Innovative Learning, an award-winning education initiative, has reached over 8.5 million students, bringing Verizon closer to its goal of empowering 10 million by 2030. Through partnerships with leading academic institutions and educational providers, Verizon Innovative Learning empowers teachers and students with new ways of learning through technology-integrated curriculum, emerging technologies, and extensive support for educators. Only half (55%) of st ...

Group 1 - Verizon Communications Inc. announced the redemption of Floating Rate Notes due 2025 with a principal amount of $487,396,000 on March 18, 2025 [1] - The redemption price will be 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest up to the Redemption Date [1] Group 2 - Questions regarding the notice of redemption can be directed to U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association [2] - Media inquiries can be directed to Katie Magnotta at Verizon [2]

Financial Performance - The Enterprise and Public Sector revenues for 2024 were $14.2 billion, accounting for approximately 48% of the Business segment's total revenues[30]. - Business Markets and Other revenues reached $13.1 billion in 2024, representing about 44% of the Business segment's total revenues[33]. - Wholesale revenues were $2.2 billion in 2024, making up approximately 8% of the Business segment's total revenues[35]. - Net cash provided by operating activities was $36.9 billion in 2024, a decrease of $563 million compared to 2023[270]. - Free cash flow for 2024 was $19.8 billion, an increase from $18.7 billion in 2023, attributed to a decrease in capital expenditures[307]. - The anticipated cash requirements for the 2025 capital program are between $17.5 billion and $18.5 billion, focusing on advanced networks and broadband expansion[267]. - The company paid $11.2 billion in dividends during 2024, marking the eighteenth consecutive year of dividend increases[287]. - Total debt decreased to $144.0 billion at December 31, 2024, from $150.7 billion at December 31, 2023, with an effective interest rate of 5.1%[282]. - Long-term debt commitments total $142.2 billion, with $21.7 billion expected to be due within the next twelve months[268]. - Capital expenditures for 2024 were $17.1 billion, down from $18.8 billion in 2023, primarily due to the completion of the C-Band deployment program[275]. Market Position and Competition - As of December 31, 2024, the company had 95 million postpaid connections and 20 million prepaid connections, representing approximately 83% and 17% of its Consumer wireless retail connections, respectively[22]. - The company faces intense competition from major players like AT&T and T-Mobile, as well as regional providers and resellers, impacting market share and pricing strategies[55]. - Verizon's competitive landscape includes increasing pressure from low Earth orbit satellite companies and alternative internet access providers[56]. Network and Technology Development - The company operates a national network covering over 146 million wireless retail connections as of December 31, 2024[47]. - The company provides FWA broadband through its 5G and 4G LTE networks, with nearly 4.6 million FWA broadband connections as of December 31, 2024[23]. - The company is evolving its networks to improve reliability, speed, capacity, coverage, and security, with a focus on 5G technology[45]. - The company anticipates continued demand for spectrum driven by growth in customer connections and increased usage of wireless broadband services[49]. - The company continues to pursue opportunities to trade spectrum licenses to meet capacity and expansion needs in the future[50]. Regulatory Environment - Verizon's broadband services are subject to various state and federal regulations, with recent court rulings limiting the risk of burdensome FCC broadband regulation[67]. - Verizon's regulatory environment includes compliance with privacy and data protection laws, which are becoming increasingly stringent globally[71]. - The company holds FCC spectrum licenses that allow it to provide a wide range of mobile and fixed communications services, with licenses typically having a term of 10 years[65]. Workforce and Diversity - Verizon's workforce consists of approximately 99,600 employees, with 88% based in the U.S., and 36.2% of U.S. senior leadership being women[74]. - Verizon's commitment to diversity is reflected in its workforce demographics, with 52.5% White, 18.4% Black, and 14.0% Hispanic employees in the U.S.[75]. Strategic Acquisitions - The company entered into an agreement to acquire Frontier Communications Parent, Inc., which is expected to enhance its fiber broadband footprint and provide opportunities for future Fios growth[47]. - Verizon completed the acquisition of TracFone for approximately $3.5 billion in cash, $3.0 billion in common stock, and up to $650 million in future contingent consideration[351]. - Verizon entered into a merger agreement to acquire Frontier Communications for $38.50 per share in cash, subject to regulatory approvals[353]. - Frontier shareholders approved the merger transaction in November 2024[353]. - If the merger agreement is terminated, Frontier may owe Verizon a termination fee of $320 million under certain circumstances[353]. - Verizon may be required to pay Frontier a termination fee of $590 million under specified conditions if the merger agreement is terminated[353]. - The contingent consideration for TracFone is based on achieving certain revenue and operational targets over a two-year earn-out period[351]. - The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration for TracFone was approximately $560 million at the acquisition date[351]. - The merger with Frontier will result in Frontier becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Verizon[353]. Financial Health and Cash Management - As of December 31, 2024, the company's cash and cash equivalents balance is $4.2 billion[265]. - Cash and cash equivalents increased by $2.1 billion to $4.2 billion as of December 31, 2024, compared to the previous year[304]. - Other net cash flow from operating activities in 2024 included $2.0 billion from a transaction with Vertical Bridge REIT, LLC[273]. - The company drew down $1.0 billion from credit facilities during 2023, with no drawings in 2024[298]. - Restricted cash decreased by $991 million to $441 million as of December 31, 2024, primarily due to changes in cash collection timing[305]. - Verizon made discretionary contributions of $365 million to qualified pension plans in 2024, up from $200 million in 2023[308]. Impairment and Fair Value Considerations - In Q4 2023, a noncash goodwill impairment charge of approximately $5.8 billion was recorded for the Business reporting unit due to lower projected cash flows[329]. - A projected sustained decline in revenues and earnings could significantly impact the fair value of the reporting unit and result in future impairment charges[331]. - The weighted-average expected loss rate for accounts receivable increased by 0.75% at December 31, 2024, compared to the previous year[343]. - Changes in macroeconomic factors, such as interest rates and inflation, have affected the fair value of the Business reporting unit[329]. - As of October 31, 2024, the fair value of the Business reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount by approximately 8%, but remains susceptible to future impairment risk[330]. Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives - The company has 28 renewable energy purchase agreements totaling approximately 3.7 gigawatts of anticipated renewable energy capacity[315].